If you are ready to take the plunge and attempt to work overseas, it's best to do your research before you take the first job you see on Craig's List and go getting off across the globe. I've been researching ESL jobs for a while now, and I've made this great list of things to look for when trying to get a job overseas.
LocationThe first thing you need to think about is
Don't go work in China if you can't stand Chinese food. Don't go to Russia if you don't like cold weather.
Eastern Europe and South America have become popular teaching locations, but you need to consider the dangers involved. Some places may also be more dangerous for girls than guys, so please research the country or city where you want to work before you get there.
You may also want to consider if you want to live in
On the other hand big cities can also be a lot of fun, but the rent is usually more expensive and it may be harder to save money.
The school or company
These days most English jobs are divided into regular schools and cram schools. Working at a regular public or private school means you may be there for the whole school day five days a week. You may also be given free periods and time between classes to plan your lessons.
Most cram school jobs start late in the afternoon and finish in the evening. There may be fewer working hours, but you may be expected to do all your lesson planning and marking in your free time. This can be alright for some experienced teachers, but it means a lot of unpaid hours for new people. You may also have to work weekends with days off during the week.
Some great job hunting websites include Gaijinpot, Jobs inJapan, Ohayo Sensei, and Dave's ESL cafe which has jobs from all over the world.
A lot of countries have
The Japanese JET program
The Korean government EPIK program
Teach in schools all over the world with British Council
If you chose to work for a private company it can be quite risky. Especially in China and Korea, so make sure to do plenty of research on the company or school before signing any contracts. Check out their website, read blogs, and don't hesitate to email and ask any questions that you may have. There are plenty of great companies out there, but there are plenty of terrible ones as well. Here are some signs to look for while job searching.
Not good signs
- A salary less than average for a twelve month contract.
- It's a small company, but they advertise for staff a lot, maybe a lot of people quit.
- Less than two weeks paid holiday a year.
- There’s company housing, but they won’t show you any pictures.
- You need to pay them money if you don’t complete your contract, it’s like they’re afraid of you leaving.
Great signs
- Transportation to work reimbursed
- More than four weeks holiday
- Paid accommodating during training
- A bonus for finishing your one year contract, and they may even pay for your flight home.
Here are a few private companies that I would recommend. As well as some organisations that can help you get a job overseas.
- Teach in Japanese public schools with Altia or Interac
- Teach adults or kids with ECC
- Try and find a job with ReachToTeach or Footprints requiting.
- Teach from home with via the internet on Skype.
Some companies may not pay your first salary until the first or second month, so you maybe need a large amount of money to support yourself until your first paycheck.
The money
A masters or a teaching degree can usually help get you a job at a private school or university, but finding a job can be a little tough for those who have just graduated from college.
You also need to take vacation and working hours into account as well. Two jobs may pay the same, but one may have longer holidays or shorter working hours.
Have a back-up plan
If you are going across the globe to work either alone or with friends, don't leave home without a back up plan in case things don't work out. The great apartment they promised you might be terrible, or maybe your job is completely different from what you thought it would be.
Make sure that you have enough money for a flight ticket home, or research other programs or activities that you can do in the country of your choice.
Do you have any other great advice on getting a job overseas? Feel free to comment below.
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